FDOT announces I-75 and University Parkway detours, closures

Drivers who travel on I-75 near the University Parkway interchange: expect some late-night delays over the next few days.

The Florida Department of Transportation Dec. 11 announced temporary detour routes and delays, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., Dec. 14 through Dec. 17, because of construction on the Diverging Diamond Interchange project.

Improvements being made include adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on  I-75 over University Parkway, among others, a press release said.

Traffic pattern changes include:

Dec. 14 — I-75 northbound off-ramp to exit 213 will be closed beginning at 11 p.m. A temporary detour route will be in place for motorists.

Individuals traveling northbound on I-75 should continue to Exit 217B, then take I-75 south to the 213 exit.

Dec. 15 — University Parkway, between I-75 and Market Street in Lakewood Ranch, will be closed, starting at 10 p.m.

Drivers traveling north on I-75 should exit at 217A and take Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to their destination.

Dec. 16 and Dec. 17— University Parkway be closed from I-75 to Cooper Creek/Cattlemen Road, beginning at 10 p.m. Motorists traveling on I-75 should utilize the 210 exit and travel to Cattlemen Road. 

Drivers should watch for temporary single and double lane closures for ramps leading to or coming from University Parkway, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

Also watch for changes in speed limit, as speeding fines are doubled in construction zones with workers present.